September 24, 2009

For more information: Isabella Chism, 317-692-7803

Joni Wallman, 317-692-7870

Mindy Reef, 317-692-7822, mreef@infarmbureau.org 

Kathleen Dutro, 317-692-7824, kdutro@infarmbureau.org 

Theme announced for youth essay contest

“Farmers Looking at a Bright Future” is the theme for the 2009/2010 Dick Lugar/Indiana Farm Bureau/Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance Companies Youth Essay Contest for eighth graders.

When composing their essays, students are asked to address the following:

“Consider the growing global demand for food and energy resources and then creatively describe how you envision farm life for future generations. Focus on the crops, research, machinery, techniques and jobs you anticipate will be part of farming’s future. How can Hoosier farmers lead the industry in satisfying the growing demands and adapting to the changing landscape?”

Essays will be judged on correct use of grammar and punctuation, spelling, understanding of the topic, neatness and overall appearance of the essay, and originality and creativity.

The contest is open to eighth-grade students in Indiana schools. First prize for one male and one female winner is an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. One male and one female winner per Indiana Farm Bureau district will receive a $50 U.S. Savings Bond. Award certificates will be given to county winners.

Interested students should ask their teachers or principal about specific essay rules and additional details. Essays must be sent by the school to the Farm Bureau county woman leader for the county where the school is located (not necessarily the county the student resides in) by Oct. 30.

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